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Skywarn Training Classes

Skywarn logo  People are required to pre-register for all classes. This is necessary to control class size and provide the proper amount of handouts. Classes have a limited amount of space. If you register for a class and can not make it, please notify us so we can make your spot available to someone else. Upcoming classes are announced on this page and on NOAA Weather Radio. All training classes and Skywarn membership are free.  Registration procedures are listed  below.


 

LOOK --> Descriptions of all the classes offered (click here)

 

UPCOMING SKYWARN™ CLASSES 

Class Date
Time
Location Contact
Tropical Jun. 3
7:00PM
Loudoun Co. Fire-Rescue Training Center
Auditorium 2
16600 Courage Ct.
Leesburg, VA 20175
Robert Hiltner
robert.hiltner@loudoun.gov
703-737-8706


Due to security concerns following 9-11, Skywarn Basics 1 classes will not be offered at the NWS Sterling facility.   Therefore, NWS Sterling Office is looking for organizations to host Skywarn training.  We need a free site that can accommodate up to at least 40 people and have the ability for audio visual equipment.  We will open the training class up to the public and will help advertise the class. We need at least 20 people registered to hold the class, but ideally would like to have over 30.  If you can help with such arrangements, please e-mail: Nikole.winstead.listemaa@noaa.gov

BASICS I SKYWARN™ CLASS
        This class is essential for becoming a Skywarn Spotter. It is a 3-hour class that covers the basics of how Skywarn and the National Weather Service operate, what you need to report and how, and how to spot severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.  This class is a pre-requisite for all other classes.

Net Control Class
This is an optional 2 hour class that is offered on an as need basis. This class is for amateur radio operators. Its focus is on procedures and etiquette when being skywarn net control. You must have taken Basic I to attend.

BASICS II SKYWARN™ CLASS
        This class is an optional sequel to the Basics I class. It is 2 1/2 hours long. It is good for spotters who need a refresher or feel they what additional information and training. It reviews the basic spotting techniques and covers more information about thunderstorms and Doppler radar. You must have taken Basics 1 to attend this class


FLOOD/FLASH FLOOD SKYWARN™ CLASS

        This is an optional 2 1/2 hour class. It focuses on various types of flooding and how the develop and affect the Mid-Atlantic region. Flood history, area impacts, preparedness tips and the role of SKYWARN™ are also discussed.

HURRICANE CLASS
        This is an optional 2 1/2 hour class that is offered seasonally (June-September). Its focus is Mid-Atlantic hurricanes, their frequency and history, outlook for the season, how hurricanes form, categories, their names, how to be prepared, and how Skywarn operates. You must have taken Basics 1 to attend this class!

WINTER STORM CLASS
        This is an optional 2 1/2 hour class that is offered seasonally (November - January). Its focus is on the Mid-Atlantic snow storms and nor'easters. It looks at the frequency and history of the storms, how they form and the difficulties in forecasting them, how to be prepared, how to measure snow and ice, and how skywarn operates during a winter event. You must have taken Basics I to attend.


National Weather Service
Weather Forecast Office Baltimore/Washington
44087 Weather Service Rd.
Sterling, VA 20166
Phone: (703) 260-0107
Webmaster: lwxwebmaster@noaa.gov
Page last modified: May 15, 2008 11:45 AM
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